Rescued from Ukraine Lion Receives Essential Dental Operation
The Big Cat Sanctuary
A three-year-old female lion saved from war-torn Ukraine has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an abscess.
The lioness was brought to The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions.
The Rescue Center
The procedure was carried out on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.
"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the broken tooth was severely infected," said the dentist.
He believed the infection was caused by a trauma sustained over twelve months back, causing bacteria creating harmful substances inside the tooth.
"My philosophy is animal dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the most conservative and safest way," he explained.
The expert clarified that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."
The Big Cat Sanctuary
The sanctuary reported the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.
He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.
The curator, curator at the facility, declared the operation was a "total triumph."
She said the team had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."
"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," commented Ms Smith.
This vital operation represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.
